Chapter 101: Wouldn't Run Away Again

Frederick rushed forward, grabbing the vine Nora was about to lash down on Claire. When Claire saw Frederick, she froze. The shock was her first reaction. She never imagined he would suddenly appear. Then fear followed. She was terrified he’d drag her back immediately. But amidst the shock and fear, an inexplicable warmth surfaced in her heart. She had seen what Frederick had just done. He’d stepped in, grabbing the vine meant to strike her. She thought, “Could this mean he cares about me? Is he worried I might get hurt?”

Frederick didn’t think much of it, but when he noticed the disbelief and faint gratitude in Claire’s eyes, he realized what he had just done. He quickly released the vine.

“Claire,” he said, his tone cool, “if something happens to you, who’ll take the bullet for Caroline?”

Claire let out a bitter laugh. That fleeting warmth in her heart vanished, replaced by a sharp, scaring pain. She thought, “Of course, how could I have been so foolish? Do I actually think he cares about me?”

“Everything Frederick did had one purpose: to ensure nothing happened to me,” she mused. “Otherwise, as he’s just said, who will protect Caroline?”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Hawthorne,” Claire said, keeping her head down, her voice calm. “Nora just gave me some chores to do. It’s only fair since I’m staying here. And really, a few lashes? They won’t kill me.” She knew better than to provoke Frederick, but the sting of his words made her slip in a few barbs of her own.

“Fair enough,” Frederick replied. “Richard, back to Kingstown Security Department.” He arched an eyebrow, smirked faintly, and left without further comment. Claire watched him walk away, stunned.

It was because she had a terrible nightmare that night that she fled to the slums. She had hoped that by hiding in the slums, she might escape Frederick’s search. Yet here he was, finding her in just a few days. She thought he’d come to take her back. But instead, he left her standing there. She didn’t know what this meant. She thought, “Has he given up on me? Will he stop demanding my return? Will he no longer need me to shield Caroline?” “If so,” she thought, “that will be wonderful.” She dared to hope, but deep down, she knew better. And that dream… It still haunted her. In the dream, she had transformed into Caroline and was shot dead by Frederick. She couldn’t stay. She had to run.

Claire’s grip on the broom trembled. She knew she had to escape. After Frederick left, Claire packed up that night, preparing to flee. But Richard had already instructed Nora to keep watch, and it was impossible for her to escape.

The moment Claire stepped out of the rental, suitcase in hand, Nora made a call. “Sir, that woman packed her things and looks ready to bolt.” “Got it,” Richard replied. Jolted awake by the call, he sat up in bed, his drowsiness gone. He hung up and immediately called Frederick. “General Hawthorne, Ms. Prescott seems to be trying to escape again.” “Drive over and bring her back to the Halfmoon Manor,” Frederick ordered without hesitation.

Thirty minutes later, Richard escorted a reluctant Claire back to the manor. “Claire, this is your last chance,” Frederick said. “If you try to run again or refuse to behave, I’ll have no choice but to speak to Madam Prescott.”

“But I’m worried she won’t be able to withstand it, especially after just having gastric surgery and with her heart condition! What if…”

Frederick sat on the sofa, glanced at Claire, and lit his cigar.

“No! Don’t go to my grandma! Frederick, please! I promise, I’ll behave. I won’t run again!” Claire pleaded desperately.